Intellectual Discussions

Philosophy in the Park is a philosophical discussion group. Open to all. No previous philosophical experience necessary. We will meet in the Barbican Centre on Level Minus 1. Outside The Hall. Here's how it works: * At the start of each hour vote on which questions to discuss. You can vote for more than one question if you'd like. The questions with the most votes are the questions we discuss. * We then break up into groups and each group does a different question. The question is just a starting point and it's cool if you go on tangents and up end talking about different things. You're welcome to join in and participate or if you'd prefer you're welcome to sit back and enjoy the conversation. After an hour we all come back together, take a quick break and then repeat all over again. So in 3 hours we go around 3 times. The aim is to have fun, meet new people, generate interesting and thought-provoking conversations, have your horizons expanded, challenge your preconceptions and who knows - you might even learn something? In order to make the conversations as fun, interesting and productive for everyone as possible please follow these simple guidelines: 1. Keep it Philosophical (No Science, no History, no Evolutionary Psychology, no contestable facts, personal anecdotes etc). 2. Think for Yourself (No phones, no looking up definitions, no name dropping Philosophers / books you've read). 3. Tangents are Cool (Don't worry too much if the subject drifts and you don't answer the question). 4. Keep it Succinct (Like this). 5. Be Excellent to Each Other (But of course). Philosophy is about conceptual analysis. It's thinking about thinking. It's not about empiricism or the real world. It's about abstractions, concepts and ideas. To terms of the right attitude: It's not about debating and trying to win - it's about listening to people and working collaboratively to increase our collective understanding. No homework or prior knowledge or reading is necessary - simply come and enjoy the discussions. After the event finishes we have an area reserved in The Shakespeare pub which is just around the corner from the Barbican. You are very welcome to join us if you'd like. If you would like to submit a question please join the Whatsapp group. Question submissions take place on the Thursday before the meeting. We hope to see you there. Nice one. ... To join the Philosophy in the Park WhatsApp Group please click here: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK) (in order to stop spam bots this will take you to a Waiting Room. Once in please write your name and we will join you to the main chat). If the link doesn't work then please send me a message with your phone number and I can add you directly. Meetup charges subscription fees. If you would like to make a donation please click here: [https://paypal.me/philosophycollective](https://paypal.me/philosophycollective)

Do you have spare books lying around your home? Do you want to read new interesting books for free while socializing with interesting people? This is the event for you. We will enjoy nice drinks and snacks together at a beautiful lounge bar in London. You can bring your books and exchange them with whoever has the books you want to read. Since this is a Science and Philosophy book club, it would be great for you to bring non-fiction books that are insightful and thought-provoking. If you want to bring fiction books that are scientifically or philosophically insightful, feel free to bring those as well. Since it is a social event, I encourage everyone to make deep meaningful conversations and make new friends. You can come alone or bring your friends with you. If you come alone, there is no need to be shy or scared. I will welcome you and introduce you to cool interesting people to speak with. Also feel free to come even if you forget to bring any books.

**Current affairs/articles discussion/open debate (2hr approx)** \- 3\-4 articles and a set of talking points from the article to structure discussions \- Attendees divide into small groups and choose the theme that interests them or discuss collectively as one group\, depending on numbers At the end of the meetup, we all come together and each share one thought from someone else that they found interesting. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **ATTENDEES MORE THAN WELCOME TO BRING THEIR OWN ARTICLES BUT PRIOR MODERATION IS REQUIRED**

See Roller Nations Event Description for details. Hopefully we can get a group of people interested. Please book your own tickets through roller nation and let me know If you’re going to attend. Skate hire is available so you don’t have to have your own skates. When: Every Saturday Time: 7pm – 1am. last admission 11.30pm Price: £18.50 Saturdays are always the BIG ONE! Expect fancy dress, big groups and small groups celebrating special occasions, hen and stag do’s and more fun than anyone should expect from a Saturday night out in London. With Classic tunes from the 70’s 80’s and 90’s decades and beyond providing the perfect soundtrack for the early evening whilst later on the tempo picks up with vocal house and commercial RnB seeing us through until the early am. A real mixture of people who are just out to have fun night out in North London. All customers using their own skates must have either stoppers or jam plugs fitted at all times. Please note: this is an over 18 event and a “challenge 25 policy’ is in place so physical ID may be requested.

Join us for **Deeper Discussions - a group based format**, where we dive into one of the most meaningful and complex topic of **relationships**! Whether it's **friendships**, **romantic partnerships** or **family bonds**, this is a space to **reflect**, **share**, and **gain new perspectives** on the connections that shape our lives. 🌱💞 This is **NOT** a dating event or a singles event! This event is **free** but you will be **required** to buy a drink or food before you can join us. Please support the venue by purchasing hot & cold drinks and food 🍕🥣🍰🥤🧃☕🍹 **What to Expect?** 🔍 **Deep Conversations**: Explore how relationships have evolved, the dynamics that foster growth, and the challenges that test us. Dive into personal stories, share insights, and listen with an open heart (and mind). 💬💡 💖 **Exploring Connections**: Reflect on what role trust, communication, and boundaries play. How do we maintain meaningful connections in today's fast-paced world? What can we learn from others' experiences? 🤝✨ 💡 **Personal Growth**: Relationships are a mirror to our own growth. Discuss how self-awareness and personal development impact how we connect with others. 🧠🌿 **How to get the most out of this event?** **Respect & Openness**: Have thoughtful dialogue, not debates. 🌸 Everyone’s perspective matters, without judgement - only curiosity and understanding. 🙏💫 **Be Open**: Vulnerability is where deep connections begin. 🤗 Share your experiences, your triumphs, and even your struggles in relationships. Your story could inspire or support someone else. 💬💖 🌱 **Grow Together**: We all have different paths, but exploring these topics together can help us grow individually and in our relationships with others. Come with an open heart and mind. 🌍🌿 **Why Relationships?** * **Discover Different Perspectives**: Gain insights into the many ways people experience and navigate relationships. 💭🤝 * **Foster Empathy**: Exploring different views on love, friendship, and family to build deeper understanding and compassion. 💞🌏 * **Challenge Your Assumptions**: Challenge your own beliefs about relationships and see how others approach connection and trust. 🔄✨ **Who is this event for?** * You’re curious about the deeper dynamics of human relationships 🧠 * You value connection and want to explore ways to strengthen the bonds in your life 🤝💖 * You’re looking for more meaningful conversations and enjoy diving into complex topics with like-minded individuals 🗣️✨ * You’re ready to learn, grow, and share in a supportive environment 🌍💬 **What's in it for you?** * **A Chance to Reflect**: Take time to think about your own relationships and how they’ve shaped you 💡 * **New Perspectives**: Hear diverse views and experiences that might just change the way you think about romance, friendship, and family 🔄 * **Deep Connections**: Bond with others through thoughtful, honest conversations about one of the most important aspects of life 💖 **How does it work?** * We will split into small groups of 4-6 people 💬 * We will provide topics and / or questions to facilitate, if required ❓ * Take turns to discuss certain aspect of relationships within the group 🧠 * We rotate after 30 minutes to explore another group or topic 🔄 * Share final insights with the whole group during the wrap-up 🌟 **Ready to flex your mind?** 🌊 Join us for an evening of exploration of relationships in a way that’s **real**, **meaningful**, **insightful** and truly **deep**. 🌟 We really hope to see you there! 👋 **About Deeper Connections** We have a mission at Deeper Connections to improve the quality of people's lives through conversation. All our events are centered around the concept of connecting deeply, because we believe we all deserve to be seen, felt and understood for who we really are. To have the 'deeper conversation' approach when relating with others can change our lives and can change the world. **Our Values** * **Respect:** Treat everyone with kindness and consideration. ❤️ * **Open-mindedness:** Be open to different perspectives and ideas. 🧠💡 * **Active Participation:** Share your thoughts and engage in meaningful discussions. 🗣️💬 **Staying in touch** Interested in finding out about all the events sooner than on Meetup or staying in touch beyond the events, you can join our WhatsApp channel and community using 👉🏽 [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Channel](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6CBAdIN9ijrEYdv33z) 👉🏽 [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EqGsmF3021RKTwBpGcuR80) **Keep This Event Free 💝** If this event brings you something meaningful, you can help others access the same transformational experience. Whether it's £5 or £15, every contribution keeps these events accessible to everyone in our community. You'll find a QR code on your conversation sheet during the event, or you can contribute here #SupportYourCommunity 👉🏽 [Ko-Fi](https://ko-fi.com/deeperconnections) 👉🏽 [Buy Me A Coffee](https://buymeacoffee.com/deeperconnections) 👉🏽 [PayPal](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/DDSNCCFCYUEB2)

Tired of small talk and ready to connect on a real level? Join us for **deep**, **meaningful conversations** and **new friendships** 👯‍♀️🎉 with a group of like-minded individuals who share your interests. This event is **free** but you will be **required** to buy a drink before you can join us. Please support the venue by purchasing hot & cold drinks and food 🍭🍬🧁🍰🥤🧃 **Who is it for?** * You want more satisfying, deeper conversations * You want more meaningful and long-lasting connections in your life * You crave more from life and know its out there * You are bored of just socialising and want to have fun and explore a new type of event! **What's in it for you?** * **No more awkward silences!** We'll provide questions to spark engaging conversations. 💡 * **Meet like-minded people** who crave deeper connections. 🤝 * **Have fun** in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. 😊 **How does it work?** * We'll pair you up with different people for **15-minute 1-1 chats**. 🔄 * **Use our questions** as a starting point, or go off on your own tangent! 🗺️ * Be **open**, **honest**, and **curious**. 👂 * 15 minutes is a good amount of time to explore a question deeply and **not have awkward silence**.⏳ * You are also **free to take the conversation in any direction** you choose.🤩 * You can always sit out a round to **take a break** 😪 **Examples of questions that we provide:** * "If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?" 🦸‍♀️ * "What's your biggest fear, and why does it scare you?" 😱 * "What's the most meaningful thing you've ever done?" ❤️ * "What would you do if you had all the money and time in the world?" 💰 **Why do we love deep conversations?** * They're **authentic**, **raw**, and **honest**. * There are **no limits** to where they can go. * You'll feel **uplifted**, **inspired**, and **connected**. 🌟 **How to be a great conversation partner?** * **Be Respectful:** Listen attentively and avoid interrupting others. 👂 * **Be Open-Minded:** Consider different viewpoints and challenge your own assumptions. 🧠 * **Be Engaging:** Ask thoughtful questions and contribute to the conversation. 💬 * **Be vulnerable:** We are a safe space, so it’s okay to be yourself 🥺 🙈 * **Be honest:** Be honest about our experience of life 🌍 * **Be curious:** Be interested in the other person ❓ 🤔 👀 **Ready to take the plunge?** 🌊 Join us and experience the magic of deeper conversations! 💫 You may leave feeling **uplifted**, **inspired**, **connected**, **invigorated**, **positive**, **grateful**!❤️ **What others have to say**: * **Parimal**: "I had the most amazing time! The conversations were refreshing and genuinely authentic." * **David Saville**: "This is a wonderful event run by two extraordinary individuals." * **Edomi**: "This is one of the best meetups I've been to. Highly recommended!" We really hope to see you there! 👋 **About Deeper Connections** We have a mission at Deeper Connections to improve the quality of people's lives through conversation. All our events are centered around the concept of connecting deeply, because we believe we all deserve to be seen, felt and understood for who we really are. To have the 'deeper conversation' approach when relating with others can change our lives and can change the world. **Our Values** * **Respect:** Treat everyone with kindness and consideration. ❤️ * **Open-mindedness:** Be open to different perspectives and ideas. 🧠💡 * **Active Participation:** Share your thoughts and engage in meaningful discussions. 🗣️💬 * **Accessibility:** We believe meaningful connection should be accessible to everyone. Our community makes this possible by supporting each other. 🤝 **Staying in touch** Interested in finding out about all the events sooner than on Meetup or staying in touch beyond the events, you can join our WhatsApp channel and community using 👉🏽 [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Channel](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6CBAdIN9ijrEYdv33z) 👉🏽 [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EqGsmF3021RKTwBpGcuR80) **Keep This Event Free 💝** If this event brings you something meaningful, you can help others access the same transformational experience. Whether it's £5 or £15, every contribution keeps these events accessible to everyone in our community. You'll find a QR code on your conversation sheet during the event, or you can contribute here #SupportYourCommunity 👉🏽 [Ko-Fi](https://ko-fi.com/deeperconnections) 👉🏽 [Buy Me A Coffee](https://buymeacoffee.com/deeperconnections) 👉🏽 [PayPal](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/DDSNCCFCYUEB2)

**Welcome back to LCC's Trail Running Club! For our next outing we're heading to Hampstead Heath. This is a moderately hilly run, but we'll be making for the uplands and forests at the top of the Heath where the terrain evens out and doing most of our run there. We'll be looking at a roughly 45-60 minute run, covering between 4 and 5 kilometres or thereabouts.** Our route will take us from Gospel Oak Overground Station (on the Mildmay and Suffragette lines) through the east side of the Heath, up Parliament Hill (at a relaxed pace), around Hampstead Heath Woods and its ponds in the north, and then back down through the Vale of Heath into Hampstead itself, with transport at Hampstead tube station (Northern line) and Hampstead Heath Overground station (Mildmay line). All are welcome - we're a mix of skill levels and leg lengths, so I'll be maintaining a relatively relaxed pace and will make sure no one winds up too far behind. Afterwards we may hit a cafe or pub to refuel and potentially discuss strategies and next steps for this little project. I'll be bringing plenty of water along with me, so if you forget yours, fear not. I'll also have some misting sprays and microfibre towels if the day's weather feels over-hot for anyone. Our standard bit of info about our running group and why it's good is provided below: \-\-\-\-\- Humans evolved to run and sprint; no wonder then that when we do it regularly (within moderation and with plenty of rest days), our brains as well as bodies thank us. Running has recently been shown to [improve neuroplasticity,](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6148340/) heal [brain damage](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6148340/) in affected individuals, and foster [better mental health](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-truth-behind-runners-high-and-other-mental-benefits-of-running) including elevated mood at rest and enhanced task-switching ability. Doing all this in nature, as opposed to busy London roads dodging commuters and street cleaners, also helps deliver the well-known [benefits](https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/mental-health/the-mental-health-benefits-of-nature-spending-time-outdoors-to-refresh-your-mind/) of time spent in nature to mood, anxiety levels, cognition and memory. All these things matter a great deal in an age where burnout and exhaustion are a constant presence either in our own lives or those of the people we care about [who you should totally invite along]. It matters especially for people trying to eke out a percentage of their time and mental capacity for transformative social and political organising: the better we feel, the more we'll be able to do. In a nutshell, running is great for you and you should do it. Trail running is even better. Best of all is doing all this with a supportive group of comrades, especially one which includes knowledgeable folks who can provide some structure to what can be a puzzling sport to get started with if building up to something, like a 10k or half marathon, is your goal. Part of our running group's programming will be building a series of events aimed at building people up, slowly but surely, towards specific goals, using progressive programmes similar to the [NHS's Couch to 5k](https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/get-active/get-running-with-couch-to-5k/) system. \-\-\-\-\- Take care and see you on the trails!

* **read event description before signing up** * **register on Meetup to attend** * **update RSVP if plans change** * **arrive at 2.50pm** * **read the Book before session** * **review the Questions** [Book 3 - In Carnuntum](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Thoughts_of_the_Emperor_Marcus_Aurelius_Antoninus/Book_III) *Reading Time - 15 minutes* *Knowledge of prior Books is not required* [Gregory Hays translation used in session](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meditations-Translation-Modern-Library-Classics/dp/0812968255/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1DYZJGWO42PUG&keywords=meditations+gregory+hays&qid=1656706450&s=books&sprefix=Meditations+Gregory%2Cstripbooks%2C91&sr=1-1) Meditations is one of the greatest works of spiritual and ethical reflection ever written. With a profound understanding of human behaviour, Marcus provides insights, wisdom, and practical guidance on everything from living in the world to coping with adversity to interacting with others. Explore this timeless collection that has been consulted and admired by leaders, readers and thinkers throughout the centuries. **Questions we'll explore** 1\. So we need to hurry\. Not just because we move daily closer to death but also because our understanding—our grasp of the world—may be gone before we get there\. \(1\) *How do you feel about this?* 2\. Don’t waste the rest of your time here worrying about other people—unless it affects the common good\. \(4\) *What can you usefully do?* 3\. To stand up straight—not straightened\. \(5\) *How would you go about this?* 4\. Forget everything else\. Keep hold of this alone and remember it: Each of us lives only now, this brief instant. The rest has been lived already, or is impossible to see. *(10)* *What are the implications?* 5\. If you\.\.\.\.—can find fulfillment in what you’re doing now\, as Nature intended\, and in superhuman truthfulness \(every word\, every utterance\)—then your life will be happy\. No one can prevent that. (12) *Do you agree or disagree?* **To fund the costs of** [room hire](https://bunhillquakers.org.uk/files/2025_bunhill_booking_info_trifold.pdf) **and** [Meetup subscription](https://www.meetup.com/blog/new-organizer-pricing-key-improvements/) **£15 is payable** To minimise admin there are no refunds/credits unless the meeting is cancelled. Refunds exclude Meetup/PayPal fees. **If you sign up and can no longer attend, please Edit RSVP asap to "Not going" so someone else can take your spot.** There is no waiting list if the event is full. Please check this Meetup page on the day of the event, as a spot may become available if there is a late cancellation. **If you sign up, and do not Edit RSVP to "Not going", and are a no show, you will be removed from the Group and can rejoin after 3 months.**

**[🎟️ Grab your ticket here 🎟️](shorturl.at/GgcEF)** **⟶ There will be more people coming as we promote this event on multiple platforms.** Meet deeper people, share psychedelic experiences, explore life and make new friends. Join us monthly for guided and carefully curated conversations over coffee or drinks, with space to share stories, insights, and opinions — focused on personal growth and fun! This is not therapy, integration, or academic — it's an opportunity to talk freely with others about your personal growth & psychedelic experiences and have some fun. **WHO'S IT FOR** Everyone’s welcome — whether you’re a seasoned psychonaut or have only had one experience. The aim is to enable open conversations you wouldn’t normally get to have elsewhere. You might gain new insights, hear amazing stories, or make a new friend or two! **FORMAT** We'll move into groups of 4 people using conversation prompts to ensure deeper topics. We rotate every 45 mins, 3 rotations per event. **SCHEDULE** * 2pm: Arrive, mingle, grab a drink 2.30pm: We begin 3.15pm: First rotation 4pm: Second rotation 4pm to 4.15pm: Break, grab drinks/food 4.15pm: Third rotation 5pm Finish / Time to socialise **\*Please note:** You may be turned away if you arrive after 2.30pm. **\*\*\*WE CHECK TICKETS VIA QR CODE SCAN AT OUR EVENTS \*\*\*\*\*** **LOCATION:** Get your **[ticket here](shorturl.at/GgcEF)**[ ](shorturl.at/GgcEF) exact location will be given on the order confirmation. Just 5 minutes’ walk from Waterloo stations. ### **FOUNDER & HOST: Ben Jay** After navigating his own challenges, Ben now builds ventures for deeper connection. He’s an entrepreneur and mentor, with an earlier career as a signed touring musician. He’s deeply invested in mentoring, mental health and community work for the disadvantaged, with a strong focus on personal growth, emotional intelligence, and building things that genuinely add value to people’s lives. Over the last 20 years, he’s founded and led ventures in the creative, tech and mental health space, spanning charities, community projects & creative businesses. Every project Ben has set up has been about bringing people together or helping with their creativity. He’s currently building **UNSEEN,** an events company curating offline social experiences for meeting deeper people and forming meaningful friendships. ➤ ➤➤ More info: [ben-jay.co.uk](ben-jay.co.uk) **What Is Psychedelic Coffee?** Social gatherings for curious minds and conscious explorers. Facilitating meaningful conversations about personal growth, spirituality, relationships, consciousness, purpose, and, of course, psychedelics! A relaxed community bringing together people with expanded perspectives to share insights, stories, and experiences. Make new friends and talk about what *really* matters. **\>\>\> [Join our WhatsApp here](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Cbc7UO1mSJa7Nq9zMaXheb)** (for early access to future events) **<<<** **Conversation Prompt Examples:** – What first drew you to psychedelics? -What makes you feel most alive? – Biggest lesson from a journey? -What was your turning point in life? **[🎟️ Grab your ticket here 🎟️](shorturl.at/GgcEF)** **\*\*\*Please note:** This event does not involve the use of psychedelics or any illegal substances. It is a facilitated social discussion space only. We do not allow sourcing, sharing, organising, or facilitating illegal activity. Experiences and perspectives may be discussed, but this is not a therapeutic space and does not provide medical or psychological advice.

Time is precious. Here we value non-boring valuable chats and interactions that are fully engaging, soulfully enriching, inspiring, and leave you a bit wiser than when you arrived. In that spirit, today’s hosted laid back social coffee chat will offer a perfect haven for the inquisitive & curious to share views on the following intriguing observation. Growing up in the west, Friday and Saturday nights meant going out with your mates for fun to enjoy music, dancing, drinking, eating, comedy, singing, fun silly moments and random conversations with strangers. Taking drugs even. Tuesdays and Thursdays evenings was for doing the same stuff but with work collegues hence the workplace use to be a great place to make new lifelong friends. Weekend daytimes were for doing healthy but social stuff like playing sports, pub lunches, visting galleries/museums and watching movies together at the Cinema or mate's house. Fast‑forward 2026 and it feels like everything has shifted: Despite public transport running all night (it wasn't when I was in my teens/ early 20s yet my peer group stayed out late most weekends) - "young" people head home at 10pm, skip the dance floor for board games in the pub, avoid bar banter, jokes and rarely engage in organic spontaneous chats with strangers. Whatsmore the stats are wild — data show virginity rates among men hitting record highs by age 30, social anxiety and social skills off the charts. So what's happened? We’ll explore questions like: * Is this just nostalgia talking, or has something genuinely shifted? * Why has typical multi generational fun pastimes (1950s to 2010s) lost its spark for the 20‑somethings? * How much does health, economics, mobile phones, social media and gaming explain this new trend? * Are certain professions (like tech/IT) changing the social landscape, or just attracting already‑very introverted people? * Why are some stats so **contradictory**? Think higher reported male virginity rates by 30 alongside rising STI rates in young people. Despite tanking alcohol sales - UK alcohol related death rates per capita are still rising. What's going on? * Target audience demographics for commericial music radio stations (Capital, Kiss etc) is still 18 to 24 suggesting young people still consume music and other popular culture but are not going out to enjoy it. Why? * Is it harder for younger people to make genuine life-long friends today and if so why? * Dancing is natural to all of us - every kid moves instinctively to music. So beyond a less joyous social life what happens when these innate behaviours get suppressed as adults? What has this healthy exercise and creative expression been replaced with? * AI is predicted to take over technical job and tasks - the most future‑proof skills will be things like interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence built through real‑world socialising. Employers already complain that young people lack these innate skills. How will they get these non AI jobs? * Levels of emotional intelligence and self-awareness particularly amongst men are at an all time low. Wiill social anxiety worsen further as the introversion trend accelerates? * What does all this mean for dating, relationships, and starting families? Expect lively debate, sharp humour, and a host (a former journalist) that isn’t afraid to ask the awkward questions. Bring your curiosity, your stories, and your caffeine tolerance — we’ll stir the pot on whether the young have really become more boring or have they’re just discovered new fun activities - if so what are they? And if you are in your 20s - I would love to hear your views! Lucas - The singing break-dancing Old Fucker

You are invited to an informal discussion of Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, a work that has guided seekers of wisdom for over two millennia. Join us as we explore the nature of virtue, the cultivation of character, and the pursuit of the good life—topics as vital now as in antiquity. Aristotle teaches that ethical living requires thought, reflection, and friendship. As he writes, “It is not possible to live well without friends.” (Book VIII, Chapter 1) Come converse in the spirit of inquiry, share ideas freely, and take part in the age-old pursuit of eudaimonia—the flourishing life.

This is the first of several meetings on *Nature's God: The Heretical Origins of the American Republic*, by Matthew Stewart. For this meeting, please try to read the first three chapters (pages 1-129 in the paperback). **Where did the ideas come from that became the cornerstone of American democracy?** America’s founders intended to liberate us not just from one king but from the ghostly tyranny of supernatural religion. Drawing deeply on the study of European philosophy, Matthew Stewart brilliantly tracks the ancient, pagan, and continental ideas from which America’s revolutionaries drew their inspiration. In the writings of Spinoza, Lucretius, and other great philosophers, Stewart recovers the true meanings of “Nature’s God,” “the pursuit of happiness,” and the radical political theory with which the American experiment in self-government began. [LINK](https://a.co/d/bkTWJNb) I hope to see you there! Fred

**Finding Meaning in Life’s Difficulties (Free Event)** **Is there hidden value in the difficulties and hardships of life, or are these things just to try to get past as quickly as possible? If so, how can we emerge from the current world crisis we are facing as stronger, more resilient individuals and communities?** **When we look at the difficult moments of our lives, aren’t those often the times when we grew the most? So many valuable lessons in life and growth opportunities are hard-won, often coming out of these trying moments. So why are we so focused on avoiding these difficulties? From this perspective, how would we as individuals and as a society confront the inevitable struggles we will be faced with? How can we build stronger communities that ensure not only that we don’t have to face struggles alone, but that we as individuals will emerge stronger as well?** **Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the opportunity for growth during times of struggle. Join us for a lively discussion as we reflect on the meaning of the struggles of life and explore the true nature of progress.** **“The troubles of this world pass and what we have left is what we have made of our souls.” – Bahá’í Teachings** **\*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.**

Well since no one else will make a Heated Rivalry Book Club, I guess it’s up to me! Join us to discuss the first book in the “Game Changers” series at Petit Monde Cafe (located at 2653 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008) on Saturday, February 7th.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Venezuela’s Future—and Ours,”** an analysis of how the Trump administration’s intervention in Venezuela will affect that nation, the U.S., and the rest of the world, with Ernesto Castañeda, Director of the Center for Latin American and Latino Studies and the Immigration Lab at American University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-venezuela-future](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-venezuela-future) .] On January 3rd, after a long military buildup, the United States used special forces to seize Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their residence in Caracas, Venezuela to stand trial here on criminal charges. The development marked a major turning point in our relationship with Venezuela and the rest of Latin America and raised a host of complex questions, not just for Venezuelans living inside and outside that country but for American citizens and other nations of the world. Coming to the stage to break down what all of this means is Ernesto Castañeda, a scholar of Latin America who has given several excellent Profs and Pints talks on immigration policy and has given dozens of interviews to media outlets around the world in the wake of the U.S. raid. In a talk offering informed perspective on the latest news developments, Professor Castañeda will discuss various theories about why the U.S. conducted the operation to get Maduro out of Venezuela. He’s put our nation’s current plans for Venezuela into context by touching on previous U.S. military interventions in Latin America and beyond. Professor Castañeda will look at the implications of recent events for U.S. politics and U.S. citizens and what such developments tell us about the balance of power in the United States. He’ll examine the distance between decisions made by the White House and public priorities, touching on how it all relates to our immigration policies and our views about peaceful protest and democracy. He’ll consider how the Venezuela raid and our actions since have altered relations between the U.S. and other nations and provide scenarios about what the future might hold. (Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

**In response to inclement weather this talk has been rescheduled for March 1st, with tickets for that date available at** [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-satanic-panics2 ](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-satanic-panics2). **Anyone who purchased tickets to attend this talk on January 25th will be getting a refund in the next week to ten days.** [Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Satanic Panics,”** a look at waves of fear of demonic activity as an American tradition, with Luxx Mishou, cultural historian and former instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy and area community colleges. The 1980s found the United States gripped by fear of Satanic cults targeting children. They were believed to be corrupting young ones in daycare centers and tempting teens through subliminal messages on heavy metal albums or through the quiet inclusion of demonic rituals in role-playing games. Satanic serial killers supposedly stalked the suburbs. Doctors helped patients uncover what were claimed to be repressed memories of ritualistic satanic abuse. Parents, police, and politicians were urged to protect impressionable youths from both moral and physical danger. With Satanic cults deemed to be a real and material threat, it was a frightening time for everyone, including those who suddenly came under suspicion for doing evil deeds. Then, suddenly, it all faded from public consciousness, just as surely as did eighties fads such mullet haircuts, leg warmers, and Cabbage Patch Kids. Why did it all start? Why did it stop? And has this happened before or since? Hear such questions tackled by Luxx Mishou, a cultural historian and media specialist who has long researched the devious and villainous in cultural artifacts. She’ll discuss moral panics as a longstanding cultural tradition, with each new one stemming from fear of cultural shifts and shaped by the time and place where it occurred. Among the panics we’ll look into are the Red Scare of the 1950s and the public response to the gruesome 1969 murders committed by the Manson Family. Delving into the 1980s panic, Mishou will describe how it began with the 1980 publication of psychiatrist Lawrence Pazder’s memoir *Michelle Remembers*, detailing the suppressed memories of ritualistic abuse reportedly suffered by a patient. As that book quickly became a best seller, its ideas saturated American culture. A California daycare center became the focus of a three-year investigation, followed by three years of trials, based on allegations that its owner had engaged in secret ritualistic abuse of the children in its care. Mishou will lead you through the media that convinced the public that devil worshipers were among them, and she’ll talk about how reactions to imagined threats can have very real social costs. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

Join us for brunch and Freethinker discussion! We will meet at Caboose Commons at 11am (in the upstairs area of the building) to munch and chat. We'll organize into a handful of separate tables with 6-8 people at each table. Each person will write down ideas, drop 'em in a hat, and each group will pick 'em out at random to determine our topic(s). We'd love to mix the "louder" and "quieter" voices so that everyone has a chance to weigh in—we want to hear all perspectives! :) We're a very friendly bunch, and welcome participation from newbies and old-bies alike! Come with your best ideas—anything goes. Feel free to post interesting articles, videos or thoughts in the comments section beforehand to inspire our discussion. PLEASE NOTE: We have placed a cap on the event, so if your plans change, please adjust your RSVP, so someone on the Wait List can attend.